So you think you can explain the gospel
Posted on October 27, 2015
Filed under Resources Comments Off on So you think you can explain the gospel
“…the simple fact that a Christian has heard the gospel numerous times does not mean that they can reproduce it. Recognition does not equal reproduction. I suggested a good exercise might be to give a group of believers a piece of paper and two minutes to anonymously write out a brief outline of the gospel.”
– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins shares the results of some simple research.
Related: Two Ways to Live.
‘Good Disagreement’ — Book review
Posted on October 27, 2015
Filed under Church of England Comments Off on ‘Good Disagreement’ — Book review
“As a collection of informative and thought provoking essays the book is outstanding …
However some questions arise which are not answered in this book. For example, the issue of what is adiaphora and what is non-negotiable is discussed, but no answer is provided on what are the key doctrines, and who decides them. If those who come to a different conclusion and still claim the name ‘Anglican’ can’t be ‘chucked out’ (Archbishop Welby’s phrase), does that essentially mean there are no boundaries, there are many ‘truths’ or ‘integrities’, and is that ecclesiologically credible? As has been said, an outcome of respectful ‘walking apart’ is mentioned but not explored at all.”
– At Anglican Mainstream, Andrew Symes looks at a book produced to help everyone in the Church of England get on together.
‘I was abused by clergy’: Bishop of Newcastle tells of abuse
Posted on October 26, 2015
Filed under Australian dioceses Comments Off on ‘I was abused by clergy’: Bishop of Newcastle tells of abuse
“Anglican bishop Greg Thompson has spoken about being groomed by an Anglican bishop and senior clergyman in the 1970s and later sexually abused, after an historic diocese apology on Sunday for the ‘shameful’ treatment of abuse survivors in the past…”
– from The Sydney Morning Herald.
See also: Anglican bishop leading charge against child sexual abuse says he too was a victim – ABC News.
(Photo: In June 2015 Bishop Thompson apologised on behalf of the Diocese of Newcastle to all who have experienced abuse.)
Aasia Bibi placed in solitary confinement over fears for her life
Posted on October 26, 2015
Filed under News Comments Off on Aasia Bibi placed in solitary confinement over fears for her life
“Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who has been languishing on death row since 2010 after she was unjustly convicted of blasphemy, has been transferred to solitary confinement amid fears she could be attacked by vigilantes…”
– from Barnabas Fund. (Photo: Barnabas Fund.)
Update, 27 Oct 2015: Asia Bibi ‘healthy and safe,’ says her lawyer – World Watch Monitor.
‘God is not a he or a she’, says first female bishop to sit in House of Lords
Posted on October 25, 2015
Filed under Church of England Comments Off on ‘God is not a he or a she’, says first female bishop to sit in House of Lords
“God should not necessarily be seen as a masculine figure, according to the UK’s first female bishop to sit in the House of Lords on Monday. ‘God is not to be seen as male. God is God,’ said Rachel Treweek, bishop of Gloucester, who is to be inaugurated in parliament.
While acknowledging that many Anglicans would profoundly disagree, Treweek said the Church of England should use both male and female pronouns when referring to God…”
– Story from The Guardian. (Photo: Diocese of Gloucester.)
See also: Is God a She?
‘The Episcopal Church has come a long way’
Posted on October 25, 2015
Filed under TEC Comments Off on ‘The Episcopal Church has come a long way’
“The Episcopal Church has come a long way in the last 10 years. We are no longer consumed by internal conflict over various social issues…”
– Few would disagree with TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s assessment as she leaves office.
Related: The Sydney Lambeth Decision Briefing (2008 – and much has happened since then!)
GAFCON Chairman’s Pastoral Letter October 2015
Posted on October 24, 2015
Filed under Anglican Communion, GAFCON Comments Off on GAFCON Chairman’s Pastoral Letter October 2015
Speaking of the meeting of Primates called by the Archbishop of Canterbury for January 2016, GAFCON Chairman Eliud Wabukala writes:
“I believe this will be an historic meeting unlike anything that has gone before. There is now a shared realisation that the time for dialogue is over and there must be a decision that will settle the future direction of the Communion and free us from being dragged down by controversy and confusion.”
– Read his full October 2015 Pastoral Letter here.
Reformation Sunday 2015
Posted on October 23, 2015
Filed under History, Resources Comments Off on Reformation Sunday 2015
It’s Reformation Sunday this weekend, and the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has some free (and some paid) downloadable resources for your edification.
Hearing 1 Corinthians — as a letter
Posted on October 22, 2015
Filed under Resources Comments Off on Hearing 1 Corinthians — as a letter
Andy Naselli recited the full text of 1 Corinthians as the sermon at Bethlehem Baptist Church back in August.
In “Why and How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible”, he provides a link to the video, and also addresses the Why and How of memorising a book of the Bible.
He’s got the whole world in His hands
Posted on October 22, 2015
Filed under Resources Comments Off on He’s got the whole world in His hands
Use these daily images of Earth to prompt your praises of our great God.
(Background story.) Image: GSFC/NASA.
Kara Hartley — encouragement for women in ministry
Posted on October 21, 2015
Filed under Resources, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Kara Hartley — encouragement for women in ministry
Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in the Diocese of Sydney, spoke at the Priscilla & Aquila Centre Refresh Conference in August.
The theme was ‘Stress & Ministry’. The first talk – by Kara Hartley – on Psalm 100 – and the second – by Dr Helen Rienits – are now on Vimeo.
Centre for Ministry Development to focus on Clergy needs
Posted on October 21, 2015
Filed under Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Centre for Ministry Development to focus on Clergy needs
“Moore College’s Centre for Ministry Development (CMD) has been assisting in the development of clergy for the past three years.
The Centre has recognised the need to more deeply research the development needs of clergy and has released its founding Director, Archie Poulos, from the Directorship in order to undertake this research…”
– Read the story at the Moore College website.
Herman Who?
Posted on October 21, 2015
Filed under Opinion, Resources Comments Off on Herman Who?
“Much of the debate in the media about fundamentalism and radicalisation would be solved if all involved developed a commitment to responsible hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation.
When a solicitor reads a legal deed, words are to be understood literally. When I read the newspaper, I adopt different hermeneutical principles in reading the news items, the comment, the editorial and the comic strip.
All of the Bible is to be taken seriously and that means that not all will be taken literally…”
– David Cook writes about the importance of hermeneutics.
(Image: St. Helen’s London.)
More Packer
Posted on October 20, 2015
Filed under Resources, Theology Comments Off on More Packer
Crossway has released more short videos filmed as part of their forthcoming documentary entitled, J. I. Packer: In His Own Words.
“We’re also giving away a free e-book by J. I. Packer to everyone who signs up to receive the videos via email at JIPacker.com.”
Released so far:
What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The full video will be released on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Ka-Ching! Designed for addiction
Posted on October 20, 2015
Filed under Resources Comments Off on Ka-Ching! Designed for addiction
Tonight (Tuesday 20th October 2015, at 9:29pm) ABC TV is screening a documentary on the inner workings behind the all-pervasive poker machines in Australian clubs and pubs.
They have come a long way since the mechanical machine pictured!
You can see a trailer for the programme at The Pokies Play You.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…